Texas Native Trees: Species That Thrive in Dallas Fort Worth

Date May 19, 2020

Category

Author TreeNewal Staff

Texas is one of the largest states in the United States. Despite its size, it has its own characteristic trees and wildlife, making the state a popular tourist destination. However, landscape and ecosystems can vary in different parts of Texas. If you reside or manage a property, particularly in the North Texas region (Dallas, Fort Worth, etc), then you may be wondering which trees can be reasonably planted on your property.

It’s important to ensure that you are growing trees in sufficient growing conditions. Ignoring this step can lead to disastrous results for your trees and your property.

Do you want to know about the trees that are native to the Dallas-Fort Worth region and can thrive under its environmental conditions?

If so, continue reading for more information.

Why It’s Important to Grow the Right Trees?

Trees can only survive in ideal growing conditions. When trees are planted in conditions that are not sufficient, they die. Dead trees will eventually fall if they are not cut down, potentially resulting in massive property damage and safety risks to people and pets.

You could even be in liability for dead trees on your property that fall and cause damage. To prevent this danger, you simply need to avoid planting trees in the wrong places. For example, palm trees grow predominantly in Florida, where they can absorb tremendous amounts of sunlight and rain, but you cannot grow palm trees in Alaska. The same principle is true for less extreme cases. Many trees grow well in the North Texas region but others do not. To keep property values intact, some communities will even outlaw specific trees from being planted.

You can stay on top of these guidelines by only growing trees that will thrive in your area. The following trees can thrive in the North Texas region.

Live Oak Trees

Also known as Quercus virginiana, live oaks are the most commonly planted trees in Texas. In fact, you may already have a live oak tree on your property. There are only a few species of live oak, but the primary species are interior live oaks and escarpment.

Live oaks are indigenous to the region just north of the Gulf Coast near the Red River. Live oaks are massive trees, growing upwards of 40 feet tall. Often, live oaks can also grow nearly 75 feet wide.

In addition, the escarpment live oak is more drought-tolerant and can grow well in shallow soil. These trees only prune during the coldest and hottest months. Live oaks have a characteristic trait of longevity, with most trees living between 100 to 500 years.

Property owners should always consider the size of these trees before taking the steps to plant them.

Cedar Elm Trees

When it comes to popularity, cedar elms rival that of live oaks. With a scientific name of Ulmus crassifolia, cedar elms are known for their thicker cuticles and smaller leaves. This helps cedar elm trees thrive in dry and hot conditions.

Cedar elm trees can live more than 100 years and grow up to 90 feet high. What’s more, cedar elm trees can withstand urban air pollution, compacted soil, and poor drainage when they are fully mature.

As a result, cedar elm trees are entirely low maintenance and are even grown in parking lots and other areas there is a lot of shade. The only major issue with cedar elm trees is that they can droop, causing their branches to break, fall, and cause damage.

Pruning cedar elm trees will prevent this. Also, you should hire a Certified Arborist to eliminate Dutch elm disease and the infection of mistletoe for these trees.

Texas Ash Trees

Unlike live oaks and cedar elm trees, the Texas Ash has a very short lifespan. It can live between 15-20 years, often dying much younger. The Texas Ash is also a short tree with a maximum length of 40 feet.

During the fall, the leaves can change into beautiful colors and attract butterflies and birds. You can prolong the life of these trees by planting them deeper soil, reinforcing irrigation, and employing the use of fertilizers at least three times a year.

Black Cherry Trees

Black cherry trees are known as being native to eastern North America. However, they are also native to eastern and western Texas. They can grow up to 50 feet in length and 35 in width.

These trees are great for backyards, because they provide a lot of shade, produce fruit, and can attract bees and birds to your property. You will appreciate that shade in the hot, Texas climate!

Give Us a Call Today!

Planting the right trees are crucial to the curb appeal of your property. If you are unsure of which trees you should plant, then you should contact us by calling our team at tel:(817) 592-6846.


To learn more about Texas Native Trees: Species That Thrive in Dallas Fort Worth, call our Argyle and Southlake based teams at tel:(817) 592-6846 or send us a message.

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